Method of and apparatus for recovering temporary loop-sustaining filling weft from loop pile fabrics



April 1, 1952 w. R. KEEN ET AL 2,591,166

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEFT FROM LOOP FILE FABRICS Filed Nov. 22, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 v A V M/ijf BY oi X m A 7 ATTORNEYS. Wu 2/? A Y April 1, 1952 w. R. KEEN ET AL 2,591,165

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEFT FROM LOOP PILE FABRICS Filed Nov. 22, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 A TTORNE YS.

April 1, 1952 w. R. KEEN ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEFT FROM LOOP PILEZ FABRICS 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 22, 1950 Aprll l, 1952 w. R. KEEN ET AL 2,591,166

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEFT FROM LooP PILE FABRICS Filed Nov. 22, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 A TTORNEYS.

April 1, 1952 w R. KEEN ET AL 2,591,166

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEF'T FROM LOOP FILE FABRICS Filed NOV. 22, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 H IL 6L INVENTORS. MZ/z'amka/fiaifemd WlZ/WIIE ifewioiz,

ATTORNEYS.

Apnl l, 1952 w. R. KEEN ET AL 2,591,166

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEFT FROM LOOP FILE FABRICS Filed Nov. 22, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 17V VENTURS n (av-Mi.

ATTORNEYS.

April 1, 1952 w. R. KEEN ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS 2,591,166 FoR RECOVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEFT FROM LOOP PILE FABRICS 9 Sheets-Shet 7 Filed NOV. 22, 1950 A TTORNEYS.

April 1, 1952 w. R. KEEN ETAL 2,591,166 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECQVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEFT FROM LOOP PILE FABRICS Filed Nov. 22, 1950 Y 9 SheetS Sheet 8 Haj.

FJGL Z5.

A TTORNEYS.

April 1, 1952 w. R; KEEN ET AL 2,591,166

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEF'T FROM LOOP PILE FABRICS Filed NOV. 22, 1950 HGiZZ.

9 Sheets-Sheet 9 A TTORNEYS.

l atented Apr. 1, 1952 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECOV- ERING TEMPORARY LOOP-SUSTAINING FILLING WEFT FROM LOOP PILE FABRICS William Rollin Keen, Media, and William R. Hewton, Philadelphia, Pa., assignors to Collins & Aikman Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a

corporation of Delaware Application November 22, 1950, Serial No. 196,998

36 Claims.

' This invention relates to methods of and apparatus for recovering temporary loop-sustaining filling weft from loop pile fabrics.

In the production of certain types of uncut loop pile fabrics such as friezes and the like, the ornamenting pile loops are formed over the picks of a temporary filling weft which must be subsequently removed together with an auxiliary or false selvage strip along one edge of the fabric in, which the temporary weft is anchored. Filling weft for this purpose must be quite strong and accordingly threads of relatively expensive material, such as ofrayon or nylon, are ordinarily used. The warps with which the temporary filling weft is interlaced in the auxiliary .or false selvage strip may be, and usually are,

' quent recovery of the weft unduly expensive. The

material so removed had heretofore to be disposed of at waste prices even though containing a high percentage of yarn which otherwise would bring a substantially higher figure. This represented a considerable loss which added to the cost of producing the loop pile fabrics to a corresponding degree.

The chief aim of our invention is to overcome the aforementioned diificulties which objective we have made possible of realization, as hereinafter more fully disclosed, through provision of a relatively simple and reliable method and apparatus whereby the temporary filling weft is not only continually removed without injury to or distortion of the pile loops'of the fabric, but also cut into short, uniform segments with incidental severance from the auxiliary selvage strip; and

whereby the weft cuttings andsaid selvage strip are separately collected,the latter being the only waste'resulting from the processing.

"In our improved apparatus, after severance of the picks of the temporary wefts at the true selvage in whichthey are anchored, thefabric is progressed longitudinally over a table by a chain with points upon which said true selvage is impaled. During progression of the fabric by the chain, the retained auxiliary selvage strip along the opposite edge of the fabric is continually drawn away laterally by a draw-01f wheel, with attendant extraction of the temporary weft strands in substantially straight lines horizontally out of the pile loops without injury to or distortion of said loops. As the strands leave the fabric, they are advanced by a system of uniformly spaced feed belts trained over individual drive wheel groups, to cutting disks which are coaxially mounted on a rapidly rotated shaft, and which operate in the intervals between the belts to cut the extracted weft strands into short, uniform segments. By means of a suction blower, the cuttings are sucked away from the cutting disks and collected in a bag or sack, while the waste selvage strip is isolated and continually discharged into a separate container.

In connection with apparatus having the foregoing attributes, it is a further aim of our invention to provide manual means whereby the speeds of the fabric progressing chain and the draw-off roll can be accurately controlled and synchronized for extraction of the temporary weft strands without spasmodic pull upon them suchas would be likely to result in their rupture and entanglement on being withdrawn, or which would clog the draw-01f and cutting mechanism. We further provide facilities whereby the apparatus can be readily adapted to cut the weft strands into uniform segments of any desired length; and also means by which the progressing chain can be disconnected from the cutting mechanism and manually actuated, while the apparatus is stopped, to facilitate initial hooking up of the leading end of the fabric with the chain and of the leading end of the auxiliary selvage strip with the draw-oil wheel, as well as to advance gaps between successive splice-connected lengths of the fabric relative to the draw-oil and. cutting mechanism.

Other objects and attendant advantages will appear from the following detailed descriptionof the attached drawings wherein, Fig. l is a view in top plan of an apparatus for recovering temporary filling weft from loop pile fabric, conveniently embodying our invention, and suitable for the carrying out of our improved method.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation taken as indicated by the angled arrows IIII in Fig. 1.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are larger scale fragmentary views showing different portions of the apparatus in top plan.

Fig. 6 is a broken out View in elevation looking 7 as indicated by the angled arrows VI-VI in Fig. 4.

tion taken as indicated by the angled arrows XIII-XIII in Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of one of a number of point plates used on a conveyer chain whereby the fabric from which the temporary filling weft is to be removed, is advanced in the apparatus.

k Fig. 15 is a broken out view in cross section of the material.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary detail View in section taken as indicated by the angled arrows X-YI-2VI in Fig. 5; and

Fig. 1'7 is a cross section taken as indicated by the angled arrows XVIIXVII in Fig. 16.

In order to facilitate understanding ofthe purpose and operation of our invention, reference will first be had to Fig. 15 of these illustrations in which the. fabric M to be operated upon is shown in cross section, the same having a foundation or base weave B in which the warps W are interlaced with a filling thread F. The interval between the true longitudinal selvage margins S S of the fabric is ornamented by pile loops L of figure warps W which, during the weaving, are formed over successive picks of a temporary fillins Weft F. This temporary filling weft F is passed back'and forth transversely between the selvage S along one edge of the fabric and a separate auxiliary selvage strip S a1ong the other edge of the fabric. In the strip S the temporary filling weft F is interlaced with auxiliary warps W which are independent of the warps W used in the base fabric. In preparation for subsequent withdrawal of the temporary Weft F, the picks of the temporary weft F are cut at the selvage S as indicated in Fig. 15. This cutting may be accomplished by a suitable means on the loom by which the fabric is produced, or subsequently as' a separate operation.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 3 and 9, our improved apparatus comprises a table I over which the fabric prepared as above, is continually advanced lengthwise in the direction of the arrow, said table being formed by a number of laterally spaced longitudinal strips 2 which may be of wood and which are secured, at opposite ends, to cross frames 3 and 4. These frames 3 and 4 may be cast or, as shown, built up from structural steel of channel cross section. The means for pro- 'gressing the fabric includes an endless sprocket chain I which is trained about sprocket wheels 6 and l on corresponding ends of the shafts 8 and 3 of transversely-arranged fluted rolls Ill and l l. The shaft 8 is 'journalled in bracket bearings I2 and I3 on a third cross frame l5 of the table I immediately adjacent the frame 3, and the shaft 9 in bracket bearings 1'6 and I! on cross frame 4.

A clutch I4 of the over-running type, see Figs. 1, 4, l6 and 1'7, allows rotation of the roll II on its shaft 9 only in the direction of the arrow thereon for a purpose later on explained. The upper run of chain 5 is constrained to straight travel in a horizontal guide-way 18 which is affixed to and which extends between the cross frames 3 and 4. Projecting laterally inward of the table I from the links of the chain 5 are lugs 19 (Figs. 11 and 13) with attached plates 20 (Fig. 14) provided with upstanding ipins 2| which are adapted to engage the selvage margin S of the base weave B at the edge of the fabric where the picks of the temporary filling weft F have been severed. By means of the chain 5 and with the assistance of the fluted rolls I0 and l I, the fabric is drawn from a pile placed upon a platform 22 at the feeding end of the apparatus, and delivered, after removal of the temporary weft, to a similar platform 23 at the opposite end of the apparatus, being there piled up by the action of a folding mechanism comprehensively designated 25. As the fabric passes up to the fluted roll ID from the platform 22, it is engaged from above by a wheel 26 (Fig. 11) which is freely rotative about a lateral stud 21 on a weighted horizontal lever 28 fulcrumed at 29 on a projection 30 upstanding from the chain guide. As shown in Figs. 3 and 11, the wheel 26 is circumferentially grooved to clear the pins 2| on the sprocket chain 5, and serves to depress the selvage S for deep impalement upon said pins, so as to insure positive advance of the fabric over the table 'I. The small freely-revolving auxiliary roller, designated 31 in Fig. 1, is relied upon to maintain the fabric in effective engagement with the fluted delivery r011 H.

Successive lengths of the fabric may be connected by knotting together the continuous ends of the auxiliary selvage strips S as at K in Fig. 1, and by additionally employing pins to temporarily secure together contiguous transverse edges of the consecutive lengths as at T.

Arranged at the side of the table, opposite to that occupied by the sprocket chain 5, is a plurality of belts 32 which aid in the progression of the opposite selvage edge of the fabric M. The belts 32 extend about the fluted ro1l'l0 and also about an idler roll 33 of smaller diameter supported for rotation at a point about midway of the length of the table I. For a reason later on explained, the roll Ill is rotatively shiftable about its shaft by means of a hand lever 35 (Fig. 3) which carries a 'pawl 36 to cooperate with a ratchet wheel 31 on said shaft, the movement of said lever being limited by a stop 38 on the cross frame of table I. Q

As the fabric is advanced on the table the selvage strip S3 and the picks F of the temporary weft are removedlaterally therefrom and said picks severed into short uniform sections by a drawing and cutting mechanism comprehensively designated 40 in Fig. 1. This mechanism '40 (Figs. 1, 4 and 6) is supported .by a supplemental framework 4| of structural steel disposed, in this instance, at an acute angle to the table I and having a top bar 42 with hearing brackets '43, 44 upstanding at opposite ends thereof. Journalled in the bearings 43, '44 is a shaft 45 whereon are mounted a plurality of thin-disks '46 with sharp peripheral cutting edges (see Figs. 5, '7, 8, 9), one end of said shaft being directly connected to an electric driving motor 41. Disposed in a horizontal plane above the shaft 45 and symmetrically arranged relative to the latter as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, are parallel shafts 48 and 49 respectively providediwith opposing wheels 50 and 5|, including a pair of wider-faced opposing end wheels 52 and 53 respectively in the intervals between and beyond the cutting disks 46. The shaft 48 is journalled in the brackets 43 and 44, and the shaft 49 in blocks 54 which are slidable in horizontal guideways 55 in said brackets, and which are subject to. adjustable compressing springs 56 whereby'the wheels 5| and 53 are yieldingly urged toward the wheels 50 and 52.. Running over and under corresponding pairs of the wheels 50, 5| of a medial group are belts 51, which, as instanced in Fig. 9 are trained about grooved idler rolls 58, 59 and 60, whereof the first is journalled in separate brackets 6| on the framework 4|, the second in the brackets 43, 44, and the latter in blocks 62 which are adjustable on said brackets to take up belt slack. It is to be further noted from Fig. 9 that the arrangement is such as to predetermine relatively short horizontal runs of the belts between the idler 58 and the wheels 50 at a level slightly below-the top of table I, and similarly short straight runs of said belts at a downward angle from the wheels 5I to the idler 60. Similarly running over and under corresponding pairs of the wheels 50 and 5| of two end groups and over and under the wide faced wheels 52 and 53 are shorter belts 65, 66 and 61 respectively, these being trained about the idlers 59 and 60 only as instanced in Fig. 8. Itis to be particularly noted that the wheels 5| and 53 are finely grooved; circumferentially to preclude sticking of the weft cuttings to them; and that the idlers 58, 59 and 60 are circumferentially grooved to keep the belts aligned and uniformly spaced laterally.

The cutting disks 46 are uniformly separated by spacing collars interposed between them, and the assemblage is drawn up by a clamp nut 45a threadedly engaged upon one end of the shaft 45, see Figs. 4 and 6. The wheels 52 and 53 are similarly arranged on their shafts 48 and 49 and drawn up by clamp nuts 48a. and 49a respectively. Attention is also directed to the fact that the idler rolls 58 and 60 are so mounted as to be readily removable from the brackets in which they are rotatively supported. Accordingly, by substituting spacing collars of different widths between the adjacent cutting disks 4.6 and between adjacent wheels of the groups 52 and 53, and by interchange of correspondingly different idler rolls 58 and 60, it is possible to adapt the apparatus to cut the filling weft strands into uniform segments of any desired length.

Supported by a bracket 68 on the framework 42, substantially at the level of the table I, is a circumferentially grooved vertical axis wheel 69 with projecting pins about which the auxiliary selvage S is guided enroute to the wide-faced wheel 52 at the distal end of shaft 48. On its way to the wheel 69, the selvage strip S is turned upright by engagement with an upstanding stud I0 adjustable along a slot 'II in a lateral bracket 12 on the framework 42. In leaving the wheel 69, the waste selvage strip S. is again turned by means of an under-reaching guide finger I3 so as to pass fiatwise to the wheel 52. As the waste selvage strip S rounds the wheel 69, the strands of the temporary weft are caused to pass over it as shown in Figs. 5, 8 and 10, by the sustaining action of a stationary guide finger with an upwardly rounded crosswise lifting cam wing I6, said finger being adjustable in the slot 1! of a lateral projection I8 on frame member 68. A stationary upstanding finger I9 (Figs. 5, 8 and 10) extending up into the hollow of wheel 69 acts as a guard to prevent entanglement and winding of any stray weft ends F about the hub of said wheel; and a collar 10a at the top of stud I0, assists in guiding the selvage strip S and in causing it to be turned up edgewise enroute to the studded draw wheel 69 as best seen in Figs. 1 and 10.

In order to hold and control the ends of the temporary filling strands at the region where they leave the fabric during their withdrawal, we have devised a restraining means which, as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 9, comprises a plurality of fingers fulcrumed for independent pivotal movement about a lateral stud 8| on a bracket arm 82 rigidly secured to the cross frame 4 of table I. From Fig. 9 it will be noted that the fingers 80 are disposed between the belts 51 and are shaped to depress the weft strands over a considerable linear extent into contact with the upper horizontal runs of said belts and also, direct said strands downwardly toward the wheels 5|. By the action of individually regulatable springs 83 upon upward lugs 84 on the hub bosses of the fingers 80, the latter are maintained in yielding pressure engagement with the weft strands, the downward movement of the fingers being limited by separately adjustable screws 85 which act as stops in conjunction with the lugs 84 in a manner readily understood from Fig. 9.

Through a worm and an intermeshing gear wheel 9| (Figs. 4, 6 and 7), rotary motion is transmitted to a short inclined jack shaft 92 journalled in another bearing bracket 93 on the frame bar 42, and in turn, through a worm 95 and an intermeshing Worm wheel 96, to the shaft 48 which carries the belt wheels 50 and 52. Also meshing with the'worm 95 is a worm wheel 91 on a short horizontal shaft 98 which is journalled in the bracket 68 and from which the shaft 69a. of wheel 69 is driven through a pair of intermeshing miter gears 99, I00.

The shaft 9 of the sprocket wheel 1 and fluted roll II, by which the fabric M is progressed on the table I, is also driven from the cutter disk shaft 45. The interposed drive instrumentalities include a speed reducing unit I05 (Figs. 4 and 6) which is mounted on a platform I06 incorporated in the framework 4 I, and which has an adjustable pulley I01 affixed to its input shaft I08 and connected by a V belt I09 to a pulley I I0 at the inner end of the cutter shaft 45. Through a pair of intermeshing miter gears III, H2 rotary motion is communicated from the output shaft II3 of the unit |05 to a horizontal jack shaft II5 journalled in stationary bearings II6, IIlI on the platform I06. Joined by a universal coupling II8 to one end of the jack shaft II5 is a shaft extension II9 which is disposed in parallel relation to the shaft 9 of the fabric progressing means and journalled in separate bearing I20, I2I on the platform I06. Free on the extension II9 of the jack shaft I I5 is a sprocket pinion I22 which is connected, by a chain I23, to a sprocket wheel I25 on the near end of shaft 9 as considered in Figs. 1 and 4. An idler sprocket I26 is adjustably set on the cross frame 4 to take up the slack of chain I23 as may be required.

The folding mechanism 25, previously referred to, may be of any well known construction and need not therefore be described in detail, except to point out that it is actuated in the present in- 7 stance through a sprocket chain I2I from the shaft 9 as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. In order that, when necessary, the fabric progressing means may be idled, a clutch I28 has been provided for the sprocket pinion I22 on the extension II9 of jack shaft II5, said clutch being manually controllable, through a rod I29, by a hand lever I39 alongside the motor 41, on the frameworkd. By adjusting the V belt pulley IIJI, it is possible to synchronize the speed of the fabric advancing chain accurately with that of the belts 51, 65 and 66 and of the wheel 69 of the draw-off mechanism. The adjustment is effected by means of a hand Wheel I3I (Figs. 4 and 6) which is convenient of access immediately below the motor 41, and which is secured to the outer end of an inclined regulating shaft I32 having rotative support at that end in a pendent bearing bracket I33 on the frame bar 42. At its opposite end, the shaft I32 is joined by a universal coupling I35 to a horizontal shaft I36 journalled in fixed bearings I31, I38 on platform I96 and geared, as at I39, to the regulating shaft I46 of adjustable pulley IIlI.

The segments cut from the strands of the temporary weft as the latter traverse the draw-off and cutting mechanism 40 are sucked away from the disk 46 into a wide fiat-mouthed nozzle head I 45 which, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, projects well into the bight between the wheels 5| and the declining runs of the belts 51, 65 and 66. The throat of the nozzle head I45 is merged with a neck I46 which connects with the inlet of a suction blower I41 driven by a separate electric motor I48, the discharge from the outlet of said blower being conducted away through a goose neck conduit I49 whereof the delivery end extends downwardly for removable attachment of a bag I59 in which the cuttings are collected. The suction blower I4! and its motor I48 are supported, together with the nozzle head I45, on a pedestal l5I as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The waste selvage S is separately collected in a receptacle I52 placed beneath the nozzle head I45 as it is continually directed downward upon leaving the wheel 60.

Operation Assuming that the pulley IB'I (Fig. 6) has been adjusted to determine advance of the material M over the table I by the pin chain 5 and the fluted rolls I6 and II with the aid of the belts 32 at substantially the same linear speed as the auxiliary selvage strip S by the wheel 69, the temporary weft strand F are progressively withdrawn laterally in the form of a horizontally disposed sheet from the material M as clearly shown in Fig. 1. As the strands F approach the region of complete withdrawal, they are held under control by the spring urged fingers 89 in passing horizontally over the stationary guard finger I5 as shown in Fig. 8 at a slight elevation above said spiked wheel 69, being lifted to this elevation by the action of the cam edged transverse wing I6 of said finger. In this connection it is to be observed from Figs. 5 and 8 that the distal end of the finger I5 is sloped downwardly toward the belts 66 to relieve the strain on the strandsF during the quarter turn twist of the selvage strip S in leaving the Wheel 69. A the strands F continue on, they are carried off by the belts 57, 65, 69 still under slight tension and severed into short segments of uniform length by the rapidly revolting cutting disks 46 as said belts pass between the wheels 59 and 5|, the cuttings being delivered to the nozzle head I45 and,

by action of the suction blower I4I discharged into the collecting sack or bag- I50. At the same time, the auxiliary selvage strip S is carried off by the belts 61 and continuously discharged for separate collection in the receptacle I52 .(Fig. 1). During operation, the apparatus is under constant watch of an attendant who, by manipulating hand wheel I3I, can keep the speed of the conveyor chain 5 properly synchronized, as may be required, for smooth travel of the fabric M and drawing off of the waste selvage strip S and to compensate for any stretching which may occur in said strip. In this control, care is taken'to insure that the strands of the temporary weft F will leave the fabric in a line directly over the axis of shaft 48 and the rolls thereon.

In preparing the apparatus for operation initially, the leading end of the fabric piled on platform 22 is drawn over the fluted roll l0 while the Weighted roll 26 is temporarily lifted out of the way, and the corresponding end portion of selvage S impaled upon the pins of chain 5. The roll 26 is thereupon let down and the machine run by power until the leading edge of the fabric reaches to a point approximately midway of the table,

whereupon a suitable length of the waste selvage strip 8 is pulled out manually, engaged about the pin wheel 69, and inserted between 53 and 52. The machine is then inched along by power for placement of the strands of the temporary weft F in tension, while the advance strands are aligned with and positioned over the rolls 5I. If this condition is not attained after checking, the ratchet means 35 is used to advance the fabric further on the table as required.

All being now in readiness, the motor 41 is started for continuous actuation of the apparatus under power. As the operation proceeds, the attendant, by using the hand wheel I3 I, regulates the adjustable pulley II)? to keep the chain 5 properly synchronized with the fixed speed of the draw-off wheel 69, so that the maximum pull upon the temporary weft strands F by said wheel will be along the axis A-A in Fig. 1. At this region, the strands F are controlled by the fingers and the belts as they leave the fabric M. The strands F are thereby held substantially straight and taut in reeving out of the pile loops of the fabric with avoidance of injury to or distortion of said loops, and pass in substantially parallel relation to the belts 51 for ultimate advance by the latter and the belts 66, to the cutting disks 46 from whence the cuttings are sucked away by the blower I4! and collected in the bag I59, while the waste selvage strip S is continually directed into the bin I52. In the event that the strands F should accidentally pass over the wheels 5| instead of beneath them, the clutch I I9 is opened to stop progression of'the fabric over the table I, and the advanced strands are quickly drawn between and carried off by the Wheels 50 and 5I. The clutch H9 is then again connected for operation of the apparatus as before.

Upon arrival of a new splice-connected piece of material at the draw-off mechanism 40, the apparatus is stopped, and shogged by power, or the ratchet means 35-38 again used if necessary to pull the fabric forward on the table and so advance the gap between the old and new strips of the material until the leading weft strands of the new strip are positioned for passage through the cutting mechanism 40. The clutch II9 is then re-connected and the motor started for power operation of the apparatus as before. It is to be particularly noted that, upon releasing the clutch while the motor is running, the fabric will be stopped in it's progression but the cutting mechanism will remain in action. Accordingly, by proper manipulation of the hand lever I30 and hand wheel I3 I, it is possible to control the apparatus to a nicety, with assurance of even progressive withdrawal of the temporary weft strands F in such a way as to avoid distortion or strain on the pile loops of the fabric.

We do not consider ourselves limited to the precise details of construction shown herein by way of example, since these are subject to considerable variation within the scope of the appended claims wherein equivalent elements may be employed.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. A method of removing temporary loop-sustaining weft from loop pile fabric, said method comprising the steps of pulling the component strands of the filling weft laterally of the fabric out of the associated pile loops; and concurrently cutting said strands into a plurality of segments.

2. A method of recovering temporary loopsustaining filling threads from loop pile fabric, said method comprising the steps of pullin said threads out of the associated pile loops; concurrently cutting said threads into a plurality of segments; and continually collecting the cut.- tings.

3. A method of recovering temporary loopsustaining filling weft from 100p pile fabric, said method comprising the steps of advancing the fabric longitudinally at a substantially uniform rate; continually restraining the fabric to prevent lateral movement thereof; pulling the component strands of the weft laterally of the fabric out of the associated pile loops; and concurrently cutting said threads into a plurality of segments.

4. A method of recovering temporary loopsustainin filling weft from loop pile fabric according to claim 3, including the further step of collecting the cuttings of the removed temporary thereof; extracting the filling threads from the v other side edge of the moving fabric; concurrently cutting the filling threads into a plurality of segments; and continually collecting the cuttings.

6. The method of recovering temporary loopsustaining. filling threads from loop pile fabric, said method comprising the steps of advancing the fabric. longitudinally at a substantially uniform rate; continually restraining the fabric along one side edge to prevent lateral movement thereof; laterally pulling the filling threads from the other side of the moving fabric; maintaining the filling strands in a horizontally disposed sheet in which the individual strands are disposed substantially parallel to one another as they are being extracted; cutting the filling threads into a plurality of segments; and continually collecting the cuttings.

7. A method of recovering temporary loopsustaining filling threads from loop pile fabric in which said threads are anchored in an auxiliary selvage strip along one edge of the fabric, said method comprisin the steps of pulling said threads out of the pile loops; concurrently cutting said threads into a plurality of segments;

10 and separately collecting the cuttings and the auxiliary selvage strip.

8. The method of recovering temporary loop sustaining filling threads from loop pile fabric in which said threads are anchored in an auxiliary selvage strip at one edge of the fabric, said method comprising the steps of advancing the fabric longitudinally at a substantially uniform rate, continually restraining the fabric along one edge to prevent lateral movement thereof; extracting the filling threads from the other side edge of the moving fabric by lateral pull upon the auxiliary selvage; concurrently cutting the filling threads into a plurality of segments and separately collecting the cuttings and the auxiliary selvage strip.

9. The method of recovering temporary loopsustaining filling threads from loop pile fabric in which said threads are anchored in an auxiliary selvage at one edge of the fabric, said method comprising the steps of advancing the fabric longitudinally at a substantially uniform rate; continually restraining the loop pile fabric along one side edge to prevent lateral movement thereof; extracting the filling threads from the other edge of the moving fabric by lateral pull upon the auxiliary selvage; continually maintaining the filling threads in a horizontally disposed sheet in which the individual strands are disposed substantially parallel to one another as they are being withdrawn; concurrently cutting the strands into a plurality of segments; and separately collecting the cuttings and the auxiliary selvage strip.

10. In apparatus for recovering temporary loop-sustainingweft from pile fabric of the kind referred to, means for longitudinally progressing the fabric in flattened-out condition; means for restraining the fabric against lateral movement; means for drawing the component strands of the temporary weft laterally of the progressing fabric out of the associated pile loops; and mechanism operative as the weft strands clear the fabric to cut them into plural segments.

11. Temporary weft recovery apparatus according to claim 10, further including means for collecting the cuttings of the removed temporary weft.

12. In apparatus for recovering temporary loopsustaining weft thread from pile fabric of the kind referred to wherein said thread is anchored in a true selvage along one side edge of the fabric and in an auxiliary selvage strip along the other side edge; means for continually progressing the fabric longitudinally after severance of the picks of the temporary weft at the true selvage, in a flattened out condition while restraining the fabric by said true selvage, means for continually drawing off the auxiliaryselvage strip laterally away from the moving fabric to progressively extract the strands of the temporary weft; mechanism operative as said strands clear the fabric, to cut them into plural segments; and means for separately collecting the cuttings and the auxiliary selvage strip.

13. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the means for continually drawing off the auxiliary selvage strip includes a draw-off wheel, and guidemeans constructed and arranged to direct the strands of the filling weft to pass over the top of the draw-off wheel.

14. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the collecting means for the cuttings includes a suction blower; and a receiving container removably connected to the discharge outlet of said blower.

15. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, further including means for folding the fabric into a pile after removal of the temporary weft and delivery of the fabric by the progressing means.

16. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes an endless sprocket chain trained over end sprocket wheels and having upstanding pins upon which the true selvage of the fabric is impaled; wherein the fabric is progressed over a table by said chain; wherein the mechanism for drawing the auxiliary selvage strip includes a draw-01f wheel; and further comprising regulatable means for driving the chain at a linear speed substantially equal to the peripheral speed of said draw-off wheel.

17. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes rolls mounted respectively on transverse shafts at the front and rear ends of a horizontal supporting table; and a chain trained about "sprocket wheels on the respective shafts and rotated with said rolls, said chain having upstanding pins for impalemen't of the true selvage 'of the fabric.

18. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes rolls respectively on transverse shafts at the front and rear ends of a horizontal supporting table; a chain trained about sprocket wheels on the respective shafts and rotated with said rolls, said chain having upstanding pins upon 1 which the referred to true selvage is impaled; and means for positively driving the rear roll and the associated sprocket wheel for progression of the fabric by the chain.

19. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes rolls respectively on transverse shafts at the front and rear ends of a horizontal supporting table; a chain trained about sprocket wheels on the respective shafts and rotated with said rolls, said chain having upstanding pins upon which the referred to true selvage is impaled; means for positively driving the rear roll and the associated sprocket wheel for progression of the fabric by the chain; and further comprising means whereby the shaft can be disconnected from its driving means; manuallyoperable racking means whereby the shaft of the front roll can be then turned in initially starting the fabric in the apparatus; and on over-running clutch connecting the rear roll to its shaft for rotation only in the direction of fabric progression.

20. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes rolls respectively on transverse shafts at the front and rear ends of a horizontal supporting table; a chain trained about sprocket wheels on the respective shafts and rotated with said rolls, said chain having upstanding pins upon which the referred to true selvage is impaled; and a circumferentially grooved weighted roll above the front roll, adapted to press upon the true selvage of the fabric to opposite sides of the pins on the chain and thereby e'ffect impalement of the fabric upon said pins. 7

,21. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the cutting mechanism includes a series of cutting disks on a rotatable shaft disposed at an angle with respect to the line and direction of progression of the fabric;

a and feeding means for advancing the temporary weft strands into engagement with the cutting disks as they reeve out of the fabric incident to lateral drawing away of the auxiliary selvage by the draw-off means.

22. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the cutting mechanism includes a series of cutting disks on a rotatable shaft horizontally disposed at an angle with respect to the line and direction of progression of the fabric; a pair of parallel shafts respectively arranged along opposite sides of the cutter shaft and having wheels thereon extending into the intervals between the cutting disks; and endless feed belts trained to pass over the wheels of one group and under the wheels of the other group to advance the temporary weft strands to the cutting disks.

23. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the cutting mechanism includes a series of cutting disks on a rotatable shaft horizontally disposed at an angle with respect to the line and direction of progression of the fabric, a pair of parallel shafts respectively arranged along opposite sides of the cutter shaft and having wheels thereon extending into the intervals between the cutting disks; and endless feed belts trained over the wheels of one group and under the wheels of the other group to advance the temporary weft strands to the cutting disks, and further comprising interposed speed reducing connections whereby the fabric advancing and auxiliary selvage strip drawing means are driven from the cutter shaft. 7

24. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the cutting mechanism is adaptable for change in the length of the segments into which the extracted strands of the temporary weft are cut.

25. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the cutting mechanism includes a rapidly revolving shaft disposed at an angle with respect to the line and direction of progression of the fabric; a series of cutting disks removably mounted, with interposition of spacer upon said shaft, and the assemblage secured-to the latter shaft by an end clamp nut; and feeding means for advancing the strands of the temporary weft into engagement with the cutting disks.

' 26. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the cutting mechanism includes 'a rapidly revolving shaft disposed at an angle with respect to the line and direction of progression of the fabric; a series of cutting disks removably mounted, with interposition of spacers, upon said shaft, and the assemblage secured to the latter shaft by an end clamp nut; a pair of parallel shafts respectively arranged along opposite sides of the cutter shaft; a series of wheels on each of the parallel shafts extending into the intervals between the cutting disks, said wheels being mounted likewise with interposition of spacers and the assemblages secured by end clamp nuts; and endlessfeed belts trained over the wheels of one group and under the wheels of the other group for advancing the weft'stran-ds to the cutting disks.

27. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes rolls respectively on transverse shafts at the front and rear ends of a horizontal supporting table; a chain trained about sprocket wheels on the respective shafts and having upstanding p ns for engaging the referred to true selvage; and

, 13 an endless belt along the opposite side of the table from the chain and driven from one of the roll shafts to advance the other edge of the fabric and thereby assist in the progression of the fabric in the apparatus.

28. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes an endless sprocket chain trained over end sprocket wheels and having upstanding pins upon which the referred to true selvage of the fabric is impaled; wherein the fabric is progressed over a table by said chain; wherein the mechanism for drawing the auxiliary selvage strip includes a vertical axis wheel substantially at the level of the table; and guide means for directing the temporary weft strands, as they reeve out of the fabric, to pass horizontally over the top of the draw-off wheel enroute to the cutting mechanism.

29. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes an endless sprocket chain trained over end sprocket wheels and having upstanding pins upon which the referred to true selvage of the fabric is impaled; wherein the fabric is progressed over a table by said chain; wherein the means for drawing away the auxiliary selvage strip includes a vertical axis wheel substantially at the level of the table; guide means for directing the temporary weft strands, as they reeve out of the fabric, to pass horizontally over the top of the draw-off wheel enroute to the cutting mechanism; and further comprising means operative to control the ends of the strands as the auxiliary selvage strip rounds the draw-off wheel to hold them substantially straight and taut for presentation to the cutting mechanism.

30. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes an endless sprocket chain trained over end sprocket wheels and having upstanding pins upon which the referred to true selvage of the fabric is impaled; wherein the fabric is progressed over a table by said chain; wherein the means for drawing the auxiliary selvage strip includes a vertical axis wheel substantially at the level of the table; guide means for directing the temporary weft strands, as they reeve out of the fabric, to pass horizontally over the top of the draw-off Wheel enroute to the cutting mechanism; and further comprising means operative to control the ends of the strands as the auxiliary selvage strip rounds the draw-off wheel to hold them substantially straight and taut for presentation to the cutting mechanism; and means operative to aid in the transition of the false selvage strip from the horizontal to the vertical in passing from the fabric to the draw-off wheel.

31. Filling weft recovery apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the fabric is progressed over a horizontal table by the progressing means; wherein the draw-off means for the auxiliary selvage strip includes a vertical axis draw-off Wheel substantially at the level of the table; wherein the cutting mechanism includes a series of cutting disks on a rapidly revolving shaft hori- Zontally disposed at an angle, as considered with respect to the line and direction of progression of the fabric; and further comprising feeding means for advancing the temporary weft strands to the cutting disks upon complete withdrawal from the fabric; and means for holding the strands taut as the auxiliary selvage strip rounds the drawoif wheel, for presentation of the strands by the feeding means to the cutting disks.

32. Filling weft recovery apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the fabric is progressed over a horizontal table by the progressing means; wherein the draw-off means for the auxiliary selvage strip includes a vertical axis draw-off wheel substantially at the level of the table; wherein the cutting mechanism includes a series of cutting disks on a rapidly revolving shaft horizontally disposed at an angle, as considered with respect to the line and direction of progression of the fabric, and feeding means for advancing the temporary weft strands to the cutting disks upon complete withdrawal from the fabric; and further comprising means operative to aid in the transition of the false selvage strip from the vertical back to the horizontal as it passes from the draw-off wheel to the feeding means of the cutting mechanism.

33. Filling weft recovery apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the fabric is progressed over a horizontal table by the progressing means; wherein the draw-off means for the auxiliary selvage strip includes a vertical axis wheel substantially at the level of the table; wherein the cutting mechanism includes a series of cutting disks on a I rapidly revolving shaft horizontally disposed at an angle, as considered with respect to the line and direction of progression of the fabric; feeding means for advancing the temporary weft strands to the cutting disks upon complete withdrawal from the fabric; and further comprising means operative to aid in the transition of the auxiliary selvage strip from the vertical back to the horizontal as it passes from the draw-01f Wheel to the feeding means of the cutting mechanism; guide means for directing the temporary weft strands, as they reeve out of the fabric, to pass horizontally over the top of the draw-off wheel; means operative to control the ends of the weft strands as the false selvage strip rounds the drawofi wheel to hold them substantially straight and taut for presentation of the strands by the feeding means to the cutting disks; means operative to aid in the transition of the auxiliary selvage strip from the horizontal to the vertical in passing from the fabric to the draw-off wheel; and other means for aiding in the transition of the auxiliary selvage strip back from the vertical to the horizontal as it passes from the draw-off wheel to the feeding means of the cutting mechanism.

34. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes rolls respectively on transverse shafts at the front and rear ends of a horizontal supporting table; and a chain trained about sprocket wheels on the respective shafts and rotated with said rolls, said chain having upstanding pins upon which the referred to true selvage is impaled; and further comprising means actuated from the rear transverse shaft for folding the fabric after removal of the temporary weft and delivery by the progressing means.

35. Filling Weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric progressing means includes an endless sprocket chain trained over end sprocket wheels and having upstanding pins upon which the referred to true selvage of the fabric is impaled; wherein the fabric is progressed over a table by said chain; wherein the mechanism for drawing off the auxiliary selvage strip includes means for driving the draw-off wheel at a constant speed; and further comprising interposed drive means whereby the chain is actuated from the drive means for the draw-off wheel; and manually-operable means whereby the chain driv- 15 ing means can be disconnected from the draw-off drive means.

36. Filling weft recovery apparatus, according to claim 12,'wherein the fabric progressing means includes an endless sprocket chain trained over end sprocket wheels and having upstanding pins upon which the referred to true selvage of the fabric is impaled; wherein the fabric is progressed over a table by said chain; wherein the mechanism for drawing off the auxiliary selvage strip includes means for driving the draw-off wheel at a constant speed; and further comprising interposed regulatable drive means whereby the chain is actuated from the drive means for the draw-01f REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the 10 file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name 7 Date Kavanagh Dec. 25, 1945 Number 

